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1. How do I appeal a parking ticket?

Download the Parking Violation Appeal Form (PDF), fill in completely, print, sign, and date form. Attach ticket (or copy), and any other related documentation (i.e. NYS Vehicle Safety Inspection receipt, dated and timed store receipts, etc.). Mail or drop off to:
City of Ithaca
Chamberlain's Office
1st Floor
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850.

We will place ticket on hold so that no additional penalties are added and forward your appeal to City Court. You will receive a determination letter via U.S. mail in approximately 4 - 6 weeks.

You may also appeal in person at Ithaca City Court, 118 E. Clinton St., 2nd Floor on Wednesdays at noon. Please plan on arriving by 11:30 a.m. with your completed appeal form, and sign in with the Court Clerk.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

In most cases, to obtain a copy of a police report you must submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request.

Recent changes to the Freedom of Information Law have made it possible for citizens to request access to public records through e-mail, and when possible receive records electronically. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 607-274-6570 for more information.
You may submit electronic requests here.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a vehicle accident report?

Accident reports are available for purchase online from the police report website.

4. I keep getting tickets for odd/even parking. What are the rules?

Effective November 1 through April 1 of each year no person shall park a vehicle between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on the odd-numbered side of all city streets on the odd-numbered days of the calendar month, and on the even-numbered side of all city streets on the even-numbered days of the calendar month.

To explain this policy in simple terms: when you park your car for the evening (before midnight) on an even numbered day (November 10th) park on the side of the street where the house numbers are even (102,104, etc.), to avoid being on the odd side of the street at 2 a.m. on an odd day and visa versa.

Please Note: This tip does not work if you park after midnight because the date has changed, so follow the city code language. In addition, beware of the instances when the 31st of the month changes to the 1st of the month as both are odd-numbered days. Your compliance with this policy helps keep the city's streets free from accumulated snow, and free from debris. If your street only has parking on one side of the street, you may have to find parking on a nearby street on alternate days.

The City Clerk's Office has a listing of the streets that are exempt from the odd/even parking regulation. Streets marked permanently for 24-hour parking make up the bulk of these streets.

5. I received a ticket for an ABC or City Code violation. What do I do now?

For information on how to answer for your violation, please visit the New York Courts website.

6. My property was lost or stolen, how do I find out if it has been turned in?

Persons who have lost property, or turned property in may contact the property clerk by calling the IPD Records Division at 607-272-9973, Ext. 3220.

Persons wishing to pick-up property will need to make an appointment for the purpose. Every effort will be made to accommodate property owners busy schedules. In most cases, the actual property owner will need to come to IPDHQ to claim the property.

7. Where do I pay for a parking ticket I received?

The Chamberlain's Office accepts payments of tickets issued for parking violations within the City of Ithaca. Payments should be mailed or presented to:
City of Ithaca Traffic Violations Bureau
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY, 14850
Ph: 607-274-6581

Parking tickets may also be paid with a credit card online. If you need to call us about a parking ticket, please have your license plate number handy when you call; we will need this in order to verify ticket information.

8. Where do I pay for a traffic ticket I received?

Traffic tickets issued in the City of Ithaca are handled through the Ithaca City Court. To speak to someone regarding a traffic ticket you received, you must contact the City Court located at 118 East Clinton Street.

9. Where is the Ithaca Police Department located?

The Ithaca Police Department is located at 120 East Clinton Street, Ithaca, New York, 14850 USA.

10. How long do I have to wait to take custody of property I found and turned in?

New York State Real Property law requires that any item found, having an aggregate value in excess of $20 must be turned over to the local Police for safe keeping. Property turned into IPD must be held for a minimum of 90 days, unless properly identified by the rightful owner.

The actual duration property is held for is based upon the monetary value of the property being held, in accordance with the New York State Real Property Law. Some property may be held as long as 5 years. Property is obtained through the Records Division. The property clerk is the only person authorized to release property.

The clerk generally is available for inquiries Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

11. Does the Ithaca Police Department do civilian fingerprinting?

The Ithaca Police Department no longer conducts civilian fingerprinting; however, other options in the area include the Cornell University Police Department and the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office.